April 7, 2020
What does it say?
God gave Moses regulations concerning the sabbatical year and the year of Jubilee.
What does it mean?
Throughout Leviticus, God provided instructions in all aspects of ceremonial worship, individual holiness, and social relationships. Now, He initiated a plan for economic security. In the Sabbatical year, the Israelites were to let the land rest, cancel all debts, and free all Israelite slaves (Deut. 15). During other years, a close relative, a kinsman-redeemer, could pay the price to redeem an Israelite slave. In the Year of Jubilee, the trumpet sounded on the Day of Atonement, liberty was proclaimed throughout the nation, and every Israelite returned to his family’s land. God had freed His people from bondage in Egypt, and He wanted them to remain free to serve Him.
How should I respond?
The Day of Atonement pointed to the future day when God’s Son, our Kinsman-Redeemer, would offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. True liberty comes only through the atonement provided by the blood of Christ. Have you been freed from your bondage to sin through faith in Jesus Christ? If so, how are you preparing for the day the trumpet sounds, calling you home to Heaven? Ask God to give you opportunities to use your time, resources, and abilities to “proclaim liberty” through Christ to those who need their sin debts canceled. You have been set free to serve Him.